European airports warn of a fuel crisis if Hormuz remains closed for three weeks

BarcelonaThe European Union (EU) could face a "systemic crisis" of kerosene if transit through the Strait of Hormuz is not re-established in three weeks, the airport association ACI Europe warned this Friday, urging Brussels to take urgent measures to avoid a "serious" impact on air connectivity.

In the letter, which was reported by the newspaper Financial Times and to which Efe has had access, ACI Europe's Director General, Olivier Jankovec, warns that a prolonged interruption of kerosene supply would have direct effects on airport operations, connectivity, and the European economy. The organization stresses that air transport generates approximately 851 billion euros in GDP and supports around 14 million jobs in Europe, and a reduction in transit would affect key sectors such as tourism and high-value exports, at a particularly sensitive time due to the proximity of the peak summer season.

Although airports do not directly manage fuel supply, which is in the hands of energy companies, ACI Europe warns that a shortage would cause cascading disruptions throughout the economic system and would further exacerbate the impact of rising oil prices. The European Union imports approximately 40% of the refined kerosene it consumes through the Strait of Hormuz, and ships transporting this fuel typically take a month to deliver it to European territory.

In light of this situation, the sector calls on the European Commission for urgent supervision of the kerosene market, as it believes there is currently no community-wide assessment of production, availability, or reserves. It also calls for exceptional measures such as facilitating imports, studying joint purchases at a European level, or reinforcing refining obligations within the EU to guarantee supply.

ACI Europe also urges clarification of the application of the European regulation on methane emissions, as it warns that it could deter external suppliers from supplying fuel to the EU market. Beyond the urgency, the association considers that the crisis highlights the EU's high dependence on kerosene imports and the need to strengthen energy strategic autonomy in the medium term. The EC is requesting information from the sector to get a clearer picture of the situation before considering possible measures.